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President Trump: ‘The Leaks Are Real, The News Is Fake’

MIAMI (CBSMiami) — Trump took what he calls “the truth” to the American people Thursday afternoon. It is something he says the media does not do. He touted his progress and lambasted his predecessor, the media, and “bad deals” for the country’s problems.

President Trump tried to do damage control at an afternoon news conference in the wake of staff shakeups and sagging approval numbers.

“This administration is running like a fine-tuned machine,” said the president.

The president recited a list of his administration’s accomplishments:

“We’ve withdrawn from TPP…We’ve directed elimination of regulations…We issued a hiring freeze on non-essential fed workers…We’ve stood up for law enforcement…We’re in process of building the wall,” said President Trump

Trump also blamed his predecessor.

“I inherited a mess – at home and abroad – a mess,” said President Trump.

He also blamed the media.

“I have never seen a more dishonest media than the political media,” said Trump.

The president singled out news networks by name, calling some good and others bad and repeatedly interrupted reporters.

He said, “I’m having a good time.”

President Trump also defended ousted National Security Advisor Michael Flynn who was forced to resign after misleading Vice President Pence over his dealings with Russia. The president called it “fake news.”

“The leaks are real, the news is fake,” said the president.

The president did announce a new nominee for Labor Secretary – Alexander Acosta – Florida International University’s Law School Dean.

The president also said he expects to submit a new executive order next week to essentially replace the suspended travel ban.

President Trump gave also gave no indication of what a White House response might be to recent provocations by the Russians.

The president will spend his third consecutive weekend in Florida where he plans to speak in Melbourne on Saturday.